EHA Newsletter

El Reflejo NEWSLETTER

#changestartswithus A publication by the Edinburg Housing Authority, 2017.

Red Rover Reading at EHA “Readers become leaders.”

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he Edinburg Housing Authority collaborated with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) this school year to present the RedRover Readers program to children in kinder thru 6th grade. UTRGV College of Education students received training and became certified to teach the curriculum.

The RedRover Readers program, as stated on their website (ttps://redrover.org), is a unique community-based social and emotional learning program that promotes empathy, compassion, and critical thinking skills as children explore the bond between people and animals through stories and discussion.

UTRGV students visited EHA’s community centers to read to children at La Posada, Lantana, and El Jardin developments every Wednesday this school year. Books used in the RedRov-

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er curriculum highlight the human-animal bond, display accurate animal behavior and beautifully illustrate the stories told.

Some of the books that were read to the children were Buddy Unchained, A Home for Nathan, and Call the Horse Lucky.

As their culminating activity for the year, EHA children made and donated fleece tie blankets to the Laurie P. Andrew’s PAWS Center in Edinburg. PAWS representative Marisela Gonzalez visited EHA community centers to receive the fluffy blankets for animals up for adoption in the animal center.

EHA would like to thank UTRGV College of Education for collaborating with us to provide such memorable experiences to our children.

Book - Rich Environments Book-Rich Environments Initiative (BRE) The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (GLR), the National Book Foundation (NBF), the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are joining forces to transform the Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) into book-rich environments. The BRE Initiative is a collaboration aimed to transform PHAs into book rich environments by providing diverse, high quality books and other literacy tools to children and families living in HUD-assisted housing to improve literacy outcomes and ensure all young people, regardless of background, have the tools they need to reach their full potential. This work will be done through partnerships between PHAs, public libraries and other local and national education partners. Nearly 4 million low-income children are living in HUD-assisted housing across the country. Improving their educational outcomes is essential to improving their life trajectories and launching them towards success. BRE hopes to encourage the love of reading and to improve educational outcomes of children living in HUD-assisted housing in participating communities.

Goals 1. Distributing free, high quality, diverse books to children living in HUD-assisted housing; 2. Engage children and families in the love of reading and literacy activities offered by the local library and literacy partners; 3. Establish partnerships between the local PHA, the local public library, and literacy partners to develop and deliver ongoing programming that will improve the educational outcomes of PHA residents on behalf of the Book Rich En-

vironments (BRE) partnership. We are extremely excited to be a part of this initiative. Since our collaboration with local education entities, our agency has completed many new projects and presented many activates that highlight and promote literacy. Some of them being our free little libraries stationed near every community center at every EHA development. Our computer labs and libraries in each community center is another result due to the campaign. We have five developments and each development has a community center which host several computers and a fully stocked library for kids to both read in house or check out and take home for a couple of days.

Once a month the agency also displays a table with books in the administration building foyer offering free books to all. Thanks to the immense efforts of EHA staff we have also been able to have book tables at different EHA properties in order to have an ongoing book giveaway at the developments. Our agency sees the positive impact literacy is making in our communities which motivates us to do even more for our residents. Our executive director always says, “Readers become leaders.� and as an agency we hold true to that. Our young and old are taking the initiative to explore new places, learn new things and expand their imaginations all through the act of reading.

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Celebrating our graduating high school seniors!

Red and blue decorations and congratulatory vibes filled the Vista Room of the Echo Hotel, as Edinburg Housing Authority staff, board of commissioners, Youth Leadership Association members, and guests gathered on Wed. June 22 to honor the recent high school graduates.

The Edinburg Housing Authority was established in 1949 and is a government-funded program that provides housing assistance to low-income residents.

One of the efforts the agency tries to push is the education of all its residents. EHA’s Step Up, a non-profit was created to overlook a scholarship fund that would directly benefit young residents wishing to pursue higher education.

In effort to continue motivating those in public housing, members of the YLA organized a luncheon with an awards ceremony to commemorate the accomplishments of the graduates. Four graduates were gifted $100 Staples gift cards to be used to purchase any item they may require upon beginning their collegiate education in the fall. The EHA Scholarship was awarded to Gwendaline Montemayor, La Posada, and Rodolfo Cantu, Albores Courts. The two residents were each awarded a $1,000.

Additionally, the two scholarship recipients were surprised with a laptop and backpack. It’s the agency’s hope that by providing the recipients with helpful tools, they will be able to more easily transition into the college environment.

“Receiving the scholarship and backpack made me feel relieved,” said Cantu. “I will be able to focus on my studies and enjoy the environment around me rather than focus on the cost of attending UT Austin.”

Cantu is thankful to the EHA for having helped him throughout his college and

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scholarship application process. He strongly believes that the agency is committed to empowering education amongst its residents.

“Efforts like these demonstrate the willingness of the Edinburg Housing Authority to help its students as best as it can,” said Cantu.

EHA Executive Director, Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez is proud of the recent graduates and their enrollment into a college or university. Ramirez hopes that the agency’s non-profit will continue empowering the individuals in public housing to pursue a higher education. The agency strongly believes that through education its residents can cycle out of housing and hopefully fulfill the American dream, which is home ownership.

“I wish all the recent graduates much success in their educational endeavors,” said the executive director. “And remember, ‘the tassel is worth the hassle!” -Ramirez

EHA swings and rides A new way to wait and enjoy the rides!

Laughs, stories and smiles were amongst the things shared between the Edinburg Housing Authority (EHA) Youth Leadership Association (YLA) members as they rode the Metro McAllen bus to the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Swing-and-Ride bus stop in McAllen, TX on March 3.

Members of the YLA were excited to be a part of the unveiling of the new and renovated bus stop which had some new amenities to accompany it.

While waiting for the bus civilians can now play a traditional game of hopscotch, play some drums to make a rhythm and swing to pass the time.

Executive Director Rudy Ramirez and YLA members met McAllen Mayor Jim Darling and other city officials as they presented and demonstrated the new amenities that accompanied the bus stop.

YLA member Gladys Sanchez said she liked the idea of swings at a bus stop.

“It’s really cool! I feel that time won’t be as long when I’m waiting for the bus and I really, really like that this is an out of the box idea.”

Mr. Ramirez will continue to encourage this kind of involvement with the community because it allows the youth to experience and acquire leadership and social skills. At the same time gatherings like this challenge our youth to think outside the box.

“I believe education is a major priority. I am also a firm believer in leadership and social skills.

I believe we all need these attributes to progress in life. I favor collaborating with different businesses, organizations, and non-profits in the Rio Grande Valley, because it brings forth opportunities for our youth to Bus Stop obtain these characteristics.”

- Ramirez

10% Wait 90% Fun

Wait

Fun

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Edinburg Housing Authority STEM’S Up

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Approximately 35 youth of the Edinburg Housing Authority (EHA) attended a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) camp hosted by Rice University students at La Posada during Spring break.

The purpose of the camp was to introduce the young residents to new and unique activities that would allow them to interact, have fun and learn all at once.

Rice University Center for Civic Leadership reached out to EHA to partner in an initiative to provide new academic insight on how the agency could better serve their residents.

Center for Civic Leadership is a program that seeks partnerships between the university and community in order to bring positive and sustainable change to the United States and the world.

Both agency staff and Youth Leadership members (YLA) met with 11 Rice University students and Director of Curriculum and Fellowships Dr. Danika Burgess Brown on Mar. 13 to discuss

plans on current EHA endeavors.

“Partnerships between universities and community organizations are essential for creating meaningful interactions and experiences in which students can come to an understanding of how their academic preparation can be used to make an impact for their communities.”, said Dr. Brown when asked about the importance of partnerships between universities and the community.

Aside from leading the Alternative Spring Break Camp (ASB), the 11 Rice University students also hosted a college panel and workshop Wednesday, Mar. 15.

The main purpose was to inform and answer any questions EHA youth had on various post high school subjects.

Coming together from different backgrounds academically, culturally and geographically the students from Rice collaborated to make spring break worthwhile for the camp participants.

Camp attendees witnessed the eruption of soda as Mentos were dropped in. Worked on creating a solar powered toy car, which came together as the week progressed.

Molded a representation of earth’s layers by using marshmallows, melted chocolate and rice krispies, and made ice cream by shaking a small ziplock filled with a sweet vanilla liquid mixture in a larger ziplock with ice and sea salt.

Smeet Madhani from Dallas, TX studying Cognitive Science at Rice was grateful for the participation and enthusiasm of the young residents who attended.

“They were all so enthusiastic and energetic about everything, even though it was their spring break too, and although they could’ve been at home playing video games or outside playing soccer, they chose to be with us and that means a lot. At the end of the week, we learned just as much from them as they learned from us.”

To wrap up the week the Rice group celebrated the achievement of the participants by awarding them a certificate.

It was a week filled with new and unique activities for the residents at EHA and many learning opportunities for the students from Rice.

“While at the RGV, our ASB took a tour of the border led by an activist who works for Proyecto Azteca. After the tour he told us that if there was anything he had learned in his life it was to give more than what you receive. He went on to talk about how fortunate he was (despite all the hardships he had faced in his life).

Hearing him speak really inspired me to try to use the resources available to me in such a way that I can help make others’ lives better.”, said camp counselor, Estefani Perez from Miami, FL who is most definitely interested in being a part of another alternative spring break camp.

To honor the Rice partnership EHA awarded the Rice students and Dr. Brown with certificates of appreciation.

“The agency is extremely grateful for the efforts of the Rice students and Dr. Brown of course. The camp counselors taught our youth about science, math, engineering and technology using some very neat tools and activities. Our youth got to meet students that came from different areas of this country and the world. Overall the collaboration between the agency and Rice was a major success. EHA will continue to encourage our residents to pursue a higher education through more unique and collaborative initiatives, such as the alternative spring break camp.”, said Mr. Ramirez when asked about the Rice students coming down to teach and interact with the young housing residents.

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Youth Leadership Association members Alejandro Galvan, Pedro Guzman, Alexa Victorino, Amy Guzman and Karen Garcia completed the summer Sylvan Learning one-week Code the Town camp in McAllen, TX. Code the Town is an initiative which stemmed due to a state grant which created opportunities for Rio Grande valley recipients to learn and receive training in coding. Our youth engaged in a variety of coding activities and projects throughout the week in which they learned coding and its many purposes. In completion of the camp, all five of our YLA members received a certificate stating they have successfully completed the Code the Town program. We are extremely proud of these five individuals for taking a step towards knowledge and on behalf of all of us at the agency we congratulate them for completing Code the Town!

C o m m u n i c at i n g with the world through a Portal !

The Youth Leadership Association earlier this year got to experience one of the many amazing things technology is offering. The Center for Education & Economic Development (CEED) in Mission host the only communications PORTAL in South Texas. A PORTAL started as a project created by Shared Studios, so that people could interact with various citizens of different countries via immersive audio and video technology. PORTALS have created great opportunities for people of all walks of life to interact and learn from one another. Our YLA had the amazing privilege to hold conversations with university students from El Progreso, Honduras. In their visit to the PORTAL, YLA members learned about the culture, way of living and education at a different country. They also got a tour of the CEED by Program Director Cristina Garza and were encouraged to leave a message on their chalkboard wall reflecting their experience.

The experience allowed the youth to gain a new and fun perspective on the culture and people living in a different country. Seeing the positive impact of this experience we can’t wait to visit again!

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ESL AT EHA More than 35 residents are now enrolled in an English as a second language course being offered by Edinburg Housing Authority (EHA) at La Posada Community Center.

The opportunity for residents of public housing to learn English was an idea brought to the table by EHA Executive Director, Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez.

Mr. Ramirez vision of helping his residents live self-sufficient lives was the leading force to creating an on-going partnership with Region One Education Services Center (Region One ESC).

with a higher knowledge of English.

Residents are then grouped based on their level of understanding during class and the teacher will tend to each group based on their needs.

After completing 60 instructional hours, students will have an exam that will determine if they are ready to advance to the next level.

The completion of this program varies depending on an individual’s knowledge of English, but the longterm goal is for the residents to complete all six levels and excel to the high school equivalency program.

“I won’t stop seeking opportunities for our residents. I believe they can succeed and create better lives for themselves. Learning English is a step closer to making that happen.” said Mr. Ramirez.

The collaborative effort between EHA and Region One ESC will be a continuous partnership that will offer a year - round ESL program that will continue to renew as long as there is a need in housing.

Students will meet twice a week for three hours a day to engage and participate in a variety of oral and written activities to teach and improve their English.

However, prior to beginning the program Region One ESC assed the residents in order to see their functioning level of the English language.

There are six levels student are categorized into, level one being for beginners and level six for students

Region One Education Service Center 1900 W Schunior St, Edinburg, TX 78541 http://www.esc1.net 956.984.6000

“Providing residents with self - sufficiency programs such as ESL, will prove that they are capable of doing great things for themselves and their community.” said EHA Social Worker Valeria Rodriguez.

Mrs. Rodriguez grew up in housing and understands the importance of bringing opportunities such as ESL classes to residents of EHA. Her experience growing up shaped her determination and commitment to serve the people she once resided with in any way possible.

Region One ESC program will run through June of 2018 and will open up many doors for the residents of EHA.

Mondays & Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

La Posada Community Center Contact Valeria Rodriguez for more info.

956.383.3839 8

Brains, Brawn Skills Academy

Getting Involved!

Robert Vela Sabercat football players tackled knowledge and strength at their Brains and Brawn Skills Academy with Edinburg Housing Authority (EHA) residents at La Posada on Aug. 9 and 10.

Over 50 residents from La Posada and El Jardin ages 8 to 13 participated in a series of educational and athletic activities that were coordinated by the football players.

Youth practiced their grammar and reading, played math games, had a scientific scavenger hunt and learned football skills throughout the two day academy.

Aside from working on strengthening their minds, the Vela football players also focused on developing the youth’s agility.

Different skill stations led by the players introduced the residents to some fun and chal-

Donation of School Supplies Robert Vela High School football team has been a great community partner this year!

They put together a camp for our youth, then allowed them to run out onto the field with them to open up a football game and to top it off they also donated school supplies to hand out to all our student residents.

This collaborative effort is a great imagery of what working together looks like.

Both the football players and residents benefit from the generosity of time, care and supplies.

It is truly an inspiration to see

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young men take initiatives to do more than just play a sport. They go above and beyond and their motivation and passion to be involved in the community is truly inspiring, that our own residents look forward to giving back when the opportunity presents itself.

We look forward to other collaborative efforts with Robert Vela High School and from all of at the agency and every student we serve THANK YOU for the school supplies!

lenging football techniques.

However, it was not only the residents who learned something at the academy.

The football players themselves grew in some perspectives. “One thing I learned is to be humble, be grateful for what you have, because not everybody has the opportunities and choices one has in life.� said, Timothy Ellington, defensive end for the vela team.

Vela football players closed the academy by awarding the most outstanding girl and boy at the academy with a basket filled with goodies.

EHA and Vela both look forward to partnering up in the near future to bring more initiatives like the Brains and Brawn skills academy to residents of housing.

Running with the mighty Sabercats!

We have no words to express how thankful we are to Robert Vela High School for inviting some of our young residents to run out into the field with the mighty Sabercats! They had a blast meeting the coaches, players, mascots and principal. We would like to give special thanks to Mrs. Sylvia Ledesma principal, football coaches and players from Robert Vela High School, for making this possible! We would also like to give a shout out to all the parents and football players who worked together to make Brains and Brawns Academy happen this past summer at Edinburg Housing

Authority. This partnership is an example of two entities working together for the students.

Book Donation Robert Vela High School donated a surplus of books to the Edinburg Housing Authority on Wed. May 31 as a part of the school’s effort to donate new books to different community organizations.

RVHS’ contribution is in part due to their recent collaboration with the Molina Foundation Book Buddies program, a program dedicated to increasing education and health opportunities in communities that experience low literacy rates. The Molina foundation donated over 3,000 books to RVHS in order to help the high school promote literacy. RVHS students were allowed to take books to read and the remainder were reserved for community donations.

EHA received over 600 books thanks to RVHS principal, Sylvia Ledesma and school librarian, Pamela Ramirez. The books donated will be distributed to EHA residents and put into the developments’ free little libraries as a part of the agency’s effort to promote literacy.

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Edinburg Housing Authority Joins ConnectHome USA Edinburg Housing Authority (EHA) has been selected to be part of the first new cohort of ConnectHome USA, the innovative initiative to end the digital divide in public housing across the United States.

EHA is one of 30 communities that were selected after an open application process and review by EveryoneOn. “We are extremely excited to be a part of this initiative.” said Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez, executive director of EHA. In May 2017, EveryoneOn announced the expansion of the ConnectHome pilot initiative, which launched in 2015 in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and was created to bridge the

digital divide in 28 pilot communities. Rebranded ConnectHome Nation, the goal of the initiative is to expand to 100 communities and connect 350,000 people living in the HUD)-assisted housing by 2020.

“ConnectHome and now ConnectHome USA is a first of its kind, public private partnership that is committed to ending the digital divide in public housing across the United States,” said Chike Aguh, chief executive officer of EveryoneOn. “We are so excited to welcome Edinburg Housing Authority to this new cohort of communities who are committed to changing the life trajectory of some of the most in need in our country.”

To learn more about ConnectHome Nation, visit www.connecthomenation.org.

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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at Edinburg Housing Authority Edinburg Housing Authority hosted its 1st Hispanic Heritage event at the Ciro Trevino Administration Building on October 4th, 2017. Three locally recognized authors presented their work to EHA residents.

Jesus “Chuy” Ramirez, local attorney and fictional writer, shared a portion of his debuted book “La Jornada de Joaquin” which describes the struggles of a teenager as he challenged the will of his parents to integrate into an American society.

Emmy Perez, a current UTRGV creative writing professor and nationally recognized Chicana poet, presented a segment of her latest book

“With the River on Our Face”. She described her childhood adventures and struggles to a group of admiring children.

Dr. George T. Diaz, UTRGV assistant professor, read a portion of his book “Border Contraband” and engaged the audience with stories of historical events that occurred in the Mexican-American border.

Thanks to the collaboration of UTRGV’s Mexican American Studies Department and director Dr. Cinthya M Saavedra, the agency succeeded in creating an evening filled with local celebrities and educational literacy for children and adults.

As a part of their Distinguished Speaker Series, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley invited Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro to be their first distinguished speaker.

When our agency found out Mr. Castro was visiting the Rio Grande Valley our Executive Director Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez didn’t hesitate at all to make plans to take some of the Youth Leadership Association members to go see the former HUD Secretary.

Mr. Ramirez, along with grant writer Carlos Rosell and YLA coordinator Gladys Sanchez took 11 of the YLA members to hear Mr. Castro’s speak.

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The youth of our agency got to hear first-hand the experiences Mr. Castro had growing up. He was raised by his mom Maria (Rosie) Castro and grandma Victoria Castro in San Antonio, TX and grew up having a really close relationship with his brother Joaquin Castro. Mr. Castro served as an intern to Hilary Clinton while attending Stanford University where he graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Communications.

The YLA members were deeply inspired by his many successes in life. They saw a Hispanic man define all odds. We hope this experience really encouraged our youth to break stereotypes and accomplish many things in life.

Housing Alliance of Valley Employees South Texas Region Bunny Dash

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he Housing Alliance of Valley Employees South Texas Region (HAVE – STR) hosted their first 5K Bunny Dash on April 15 at the Edinburg Municipal Park to raise funds for scholarships.

People of all ages walked, jogged & ran wearing the vibrant green 5K T-shirt as they enjoyed the sunny Saturday morning.

Throughout the path volunteers stood on the sidelines to cheer, chants, and encouraging phrases as runners came through and made their way to the finish line.

After the 5K Bunny Dash and half-mile Bunny Hop run finished, kids ran in excitement to the field to collect as many eggs as possible, filled with candy, toys, and other goodies.

The success of the 5K, half-mile run, and Easter egg hunt, was all due to the time and effort the volunteers, exhibitors, and Edinburg Fire Department contributed.

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The HAVE – STR Association would like to thank Linebargar Goggan Blair & Sampson LLC, Affordable Homes of South Texas, United Core Management Inc, Brownstone Construction LTD, Vesta Management Corporation, Thorson and Associates LLC, Law office of Javier Villalobos P.C., Olivarez Family Partnership LTD, Workplace Benefit Advisors LLC, Valley Land Title Co, Newkirk & Newkirk INC, Wiring Communications, State Farm Insurance, MACH Attorney at Law, David Lee Fuentes Campaign Fund, Edinburg Housing Opportunity Corp, Arnold Padilla, MJM International Corp., IBC Bank, Rick Villarreal Farmers Insurance and LNR Apts for their participation, and contribution to the 5K Bunny Dash and Bunny Hop. The HAVE – STR association is a growing and influential membership organization with over 500 organizational and individual affiliates statewide. HAVE – STR covers 14 different counties and more than 35 cities within South Texas. The HAVE – STR association assembled this 5-kilometer run to raise funds for the HAVE-STR Scholarship program, which provides annual scholarships to deserving students graduating 15

from high school whose families are in Public Housing or the Section 8 Program. Through this initiative HAVE – STR raised over $11,000 that were awarded to scholarship recipients from different housing authorities.

“The race was very special because there were a lot of children involved when compared to other general 5k runs. It was specifically targeting the children, something you don’t see often.” said Consuelo Sanchez, an Edinburg housing resident and volunteer at the 5K Bunny Dash.

HAVE – STR President Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez and Vice – President Arnold Padilla were extremely grateful for the help they received to make this 5K possible.

Arnold and I would like to thank everybody who contributed to this initiative and made it successful. We look forward to next year’s 5K. said Mr. Ramirez, when asked about the success of the 5K. The HAVE - STR Association invites everybody to next year’s Bunny Dash on April 24th, 2018. HAVE – STR looks forward to another Easter run extravaganza.

Walking for a Cause EHA’s 4th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk As a part of Edinburg Housing Authority’s (EHA) commitment to raise awareness for Breast Cancer, EHA organized its 4th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and fair on Oct. 19 at La Posada in Edinburg, TX. The event started at 9:00 a.m. and ended at 11:00 a.m., with an attendance of more than 50 people. La Posada walk/jog trail was filled with residents, staff, agency representatives and community members wearing pink in order to show their support for breast cancer awareness.

With great efforts from our new Social Worker and Tenant Services personnel Valeria Rodriguez the 4th annual walk was a huge success.

The fair took place before the walk, 12 agencies were present to inform, provide and educate the attendees on different health related topics and services. Each agency also provided giveaways for all those in attendance.

Residents had the opportunity to sign up with agencies of their choice to receive further information in the future.

We would like to thank all the agencies for their participation but most importantly for educating our residents, staff and attendees on the importance of maintaining your health and taking early actions to prevent any form of cancer or illness.

EHA is proud to support such a great cause and will always continue to raise awareness for Breast Cancer. You can learn about self-examination, living a healthy lifestyle, steps to take if you think you might have cancer and so much more by visiting the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

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Running for a Cause!

EHA 2nd Annual 5K

Ready 17

Set

Go

The faster you run the sooner you’re done!

Nearly 400 runners and participants gathered at the Edinburg Municipal Park on Saturday, Aug. 5 to celebrate Edinburg Housing Authority’s 2nd Annual 5K Fun Run/ Walk.

EHA staff, resident volunteers, community partners, elected officials, businesses and organizations gathered at the park under the north pavilion that morning. Exhibitioners prepared their booths and runners stretched for the 7:30 am start, as EHA staff and volunteers organized the area.

After a very successful 5K last year, the housing agency wanted to continue its efforts to raise money to create scholarships for residents wishing to pursue a higher education. Every year, EHA awards the money raised to high school students moving onto college through the EHA Scholarship Program.

The annual 5K fundraiser was created by the agency in order to promote education amongst its residents. It is the agency’s goal that all its residents become educated to become self-sufficient and improve their lifestyles. Education is seen as another tool residents may utilize to cycle out of housing.

An estimated $4,500 were awarded to eight EHA residents through this year’s scholarship program, including laptops and Staples gift cards. EHA hopes to continue awarding its graduating residents this coming spring semester thanks to the money raised through this year’s 5K. The success of the event could not have been attained without the support and contributions of EHA’s community partners and stakeholders. The agency would like to thank: The Wyatt Foundation, UAH Property Management LP, The Brownstone Group, Chick-fil-a of Edinburg, HEB, Rick Villareal Insurance, District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez, E-Con Group, LLC., Plains Capital Bank, Valley Metro Security, TVR Rental Properties, Marissa Anna

Carranza Hernandez, Attorney at Law PLLC and Resolution Center, State District Judge Noe Gonzalez, Valley Island Palms, Tri-Gen Construction, Memorial Funeral Home, McAllen Physical Therapy, Cantu's Pharmacy, Telepro Communications, Gustavo and Joshua Montemayor, Law Office of Reynaldo Ortiz, Edinburg EDC and Garco, LTD for their sponsorships and donations.

EHA Executive Director, Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez, is constantly working with community partners to push educational efforts. He hopes to inspire young residents to take action and improve the quality of their lives through education “The scholarships are meant to reward and motivate the awesome students we serve,” said Ramirez.

The scholarship program is simply another way to push young residents to enroll at a college or university and receive their degree. EHA is proud because it currently has student residents enrolled at universities such as UTRGV, STC, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, UTSA and UT Austin. They hope to have the list increase in the years to come.

The agency is aware that like a 5k, there are obstacles its residents must overcome. By providing housing assistance and beneficial opportunities like scholarships and other programs, EHA will continue to motivate its residents, especially student residents, to push past the educational finish line through efforts like these.

“It’s through collaborative efforts that our agency is making a difference in the beautiful families we serve,” said the executive director. “Our residents will succeed via education!

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The Youth Leadership Association (YLA) is an organization dedicated to encouraging EHA student residents, ages 13 - 19, to become actively involved in their communities and pursue a higher education. The YLA was first started in 2013 and is composed of approximately 40 members. Their active participation in the organization helps the students develop leadership skills, build character, expand their networks and perform community service.

Contact JC Garcia or Gladys Sanchez to join the YLA! 956.383.3839 19

Work, Learn and Play (harder)

Earlier this year 12 of our Youth Leadership Association (YLA) members along with our parent shadow Consuelo Uresti and staff Robert Hernandez and JC Garcia had a full day dedicated to volunteering, learning and of course having fun. Our YLA members started off their morning by assisting staff from the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley prepare food bags for community members in need. The food bags prepared would be set aside so that later in the week they could be loaded in a semi-truck and distributed to varies locations throughout the valley. This volunteer opportunity really gave a new perspective to our YLA members and introduced them to a service available in the Rio Grande Valley willing to help individuals who lack proper nutritional items.

After our youth wrapped up making over 100 bags of food, the group then made our way to the International Museum of Art & Science to enjoy a mid-day snack, appreciate art, and learn about

biomes, different species and our solar system. During our visit to the museum we learned about the leopard gecko and hedgehogs.

Although we didn’t get the opportunity to pet the gecko, because he she has a tendency to bite, we did have the chance to feel the hedgehog’s prickly spines covering their layer of skin. To wrap up the day and as an incentive for being great participants, the agency took the YLA members to Get Air McAllen to enjoy the trampolines and some delicious pizza. Obstacle courses, dodgeball, basketball and rope walk, where amongst some of the things they entertained themselves with while at the trampoline park. Overall the day was a productive day for all who participated and the reward that comes from volunteering, knowledge from learning and laughs from having fun is always a good way to spend your day.

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Free Produce and Food for all residents In an agency collaborative effort, a partnership with the Food Bank of Rio Grande Valley was established to provide free fresh produce and food bags to EHA residents. The motive to reach out to the RGV Food Bank all started due to the comment of a young EHA resident, about the lack of food some families have. Ever since then Executive Director Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez took steps towards filling that gap in the families of EHA. The agency along with the RGV Food Bank, organized produce and food distribution dates for each property during the months of September and October.

Due to the success of this program the agency is now looking in distributing free food and produce bags to all properties on a monthly basis starting in 2018.

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We know this will bring some economic relieve to our residents and it will begin to fulfill a need many were lacking.

“It’s something good, because it helps us out a lot.” said Liza Garcia from El Jardin, one of our many residents who benefited from this program.

Over 225 families received fresh produce and benefited from the services provided by the agency. This means more than half of our families picked up the free food that was offered by the RGV Food Bank.

We are so grateful for the willingness and commitment of the RGV Food Bank to help us meet a vital need. Our agency looks forward to the growth of the ongoing program starting in 2018.

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Edinburg Housing Authority VICE-CHAIRMAN ARMANDO BARRERA

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COMMISSIONER ELIAS LONGORIA

RESIDENT COMMISSIONER JUAN GUZMAN

Edinburg Housing Authority 2017 Board of Commissioners Holidays (Office Closed) November 9th, 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. November 10th, All Day. November 22nd,12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. November 23rd & 24th, All Day. December 25th & 26th, All Day. January 1st & 2nd, All Day. Office Hours: Regular: Mon. - Thurs. 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. / Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Summer: Mon. - Thurs. 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. / Fri. Off Address: 910 S. Sugar Rd. Edinburg, TX 78539 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 295 Edinburg, TX 78540

Main Office IMPORTANT REMINDERS Rent deadline

Due monthly by the 1st, but EHA gives you

Resident Meeting

Interested in finding out what’s happening at EHA or your

Community service

Residents 18+ years old who are not exempt

*Residents who attend will receive one hour of community service.

until the 5th to pay in full. There is a $15 fee for late payments.

must volunteer 8 hours a month in order to comply with HUD’s Community Service Requirement.

development? Come find out at our next Resident Meeting. Meetings are led by the Executive Director Rodolfo “Rudy” Ramirez & property managers and all residents are invited. Please contact your property manager for next meeting location, date and time.

Zulema Garcia, Property Manager for Peridot, Towers, La Posada and Lantana.

Reach at 956.383.3839 or zgarcia@edinburgha.org

Robert Briones, Property Manager for El Jardin, Viviendas Manuel L. Ramirez and Albores Courts.

Reach at 956.383.3839 or rbriones@edinburgha.org